UAE leaders congratulate Bahrain for thrilling win in Arabian Gulf Cup final

Mohamed Marhoon plays crucial role in 2-1 win over Oman for second Gulf title

Bahrain players and staff celebrate with the Arabian Gulf Cup trophy after defeating Oman in the final at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. Reuters

Bahrain lifted the Arabian Gulf Cup trophy for the second time after a 2-1 win over Oman in Kuwait. Reuters

Oman's Mohammed Al Maslami scores an own goal against Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf Cup final in Kuwait. AFP

Bahrain's Mohamed Marhoon celebrates scoring the first goal. Reuters

Oman's Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri vies for the ball with Bahrain defender Amine Benaddi. AFP

Oman's fans cheer their team at the Jaber Al Ahmad Stadium. AFP

UAE leaders congratulated Bahrain after they were crowned Arabian Gulf Cup champions following a thrilling 2-1 win over Oman in the final.

Bahrain emerged victorious after falling behind at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait to lift their second Gulf title.

Oman started strongly, scoring in the 17th minute through Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri. Mohamed Marhoon then restored parity after converting penalty in the 78th minute. Marhoon was in spotlight once again as his dangerous cross was unsuccessfully cleared by Oman captain Mohammed Al Musalami, who turned the ball into his own net in the 80th minute.

It was the second Gulf Cup triumph for Bahrain following their victory in the 2019 edition.

Following the match, the UAE leaders lauded both teams for putting in a memorable performance, with President Sheikh Mohamed leading the way.

"I congratulate my brother King Hamad bin Isa and the Bahraini people on Bahrain's victory in the 26th Gulf Cup, and I commend the excellent performance of the Bahraini and Omani teams in the final and the successful organisation of the competition by Kuwait. I wish all those involved success in the next competition," Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also congratulated both teams.

"Bahrain, we thank you for the fighting spirit, the beauty of the performance. Congratulations on the Gulf Cup. Congratulations to my brother, King Hamad bin Isa. Hard luck to the Omani team, which gave a heroic performance." Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, praised the fighting spirit of the finalists.

"Congratulations to the Bahraini national team for winning the 26th Gulf Cup title. A well-deserved victory, distinguished performance, and high fighting spirit that deserves praise. We also thank the stars of the Omani national team for the beautiful performance, and a salute to Kuwait for this wonderful organisation. Our Gulf remains one and our joy is one," Sheikh Hamdan posted on platform X.

Bahrain's victorious campaign included wins over hosts Kuwait, Iraq and a stunning fightback against Saudi Arabia.